Working with Clients, Favorite Cameras and Travel

Summary

In this video, the photographer answers questions about creativity, inspiration, and his photography career. He discusses sources of inspiration, emphasizing the importance of not solely relying on other photographers' work but exploring new influences. He also shares his advice for aspiring photographers, encouraging them to find their unique voice and diversify income streams. Other topics include choosing between different camera systems, pitching projects to clients, and maintaining an organized archival process. Lastly, he reflects on his life in Los Angeles and the city's role in fostering his creative growth.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The speaker enjoys answering questions about photography, life, and creativity through videos.
• 📸 For inspiration, the speaker doesn't rely solely on looking at other photographers' work but prefers photo books for more intentional consumption of art.
• 📚 Christopher Anderson's family-themed photo books and a recent book about life in Greenland have been significant sources of inspiration.
• 🎞️ The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding your unique voice as a photographer rather than emulating others.
• 💡 Treating photography as both an art and a business is essential for building a sustainable career, and diversification is key.
• 📷 The speaker often chooses between the GFX and XT5 cameras based on image quality and the robustness required for specific shoots.
• 💼 When pitching projects to clients, it's important to have a detailed plan, not just express interest.
• 🗄️ The speaker is meticulous about organizing and archiving photo files for easy access, even years later.
• 🏡 The speaker is happy living in LA and values its creative energy and the accessibility of beautiful California landscapes.
• 💻 The speaker has been using Squarespace since the start of their career for easy website creation without coding.

Q & A

What does the speaker believe about finding inspiration in photography?

The speaker believes that looking at other photographers' work is a good way to emulate techniques, but not always the best source of inspiration. They recommend exploring one's unique interests to truly find inspiration.

Who are some photographers the speaker admires and why?

The speaker admires Christopher Anderson for his intimate family photography, and Robert Ryer for his use of color and light in landscape and travel photography. Both have unique styles that resonate with the speaker's aesthetic.

What role do photo books play in the speaker's creative process?

The speaker views photo books as the way artists intend for their work to be seen, offering a more intimate experience than digital media. They actively collect photo books for inspiration and to support other artists.

What advice does the speaker offer for building a photography career?

The speaker emphasizes finding one's own voice rather than copying others. Additionally, they suggest diversifying revenue streams to create a sustainable career, treating photography as both an art and a business.

What is the speaker's perspective on camera choices for different shoots?

The speaker decides between cameras like the GFX and XT5 based on the image quality needed, robustness, and the type of shoot. They often use the XT5 as a supplemental camera but prefer the GFX for more serious, professional work.

How does the speaker recommend pitching a project to a client?

The speaker advises against sending generic pitches. Instead, they suggest having a well-thought-out plan or project idea that is clearly articulated in a concise way. This increases the chances of making a meaningful connection with potential clients.

What is the speaker's archival process for managing photo files?

The speaker uses a RAID system for long-term storage and SSDs for active projects. They prioritize organization and simplicity, ensuring they can easily locate images, even from years ago, for licensing or client requests.

Is the speaker still happy living in Los Angeles?

Yes, the speaker is still happy in Los Angeles after seven years. They enjoy the creative energy, the artist community, and the accessibility to nature. For now, LA feels like home and supports their career.

What advice does the speaker offer to their younger self about starting a photography career?

The speaker would advise their younger self to focus on finding their unique perspective and voice in photography, rather than copying others. They also stress the importance of learning from others, being adaptable, and treating photography like a business.

How does the speaker handle slower periods in their photography career?

The speaker handles slower periods by diversifying their revenue streams. Alongside photography, they have built additional income sources, such as their YouTube channel, to maintain financial stability even during less busy months.